Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment in South Florida

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which a person has episodes of depression and episodes of elevated or irritable mood called mania or hypomania. It is more than just having ups and downs. During a manic or hypomanic episode, people may need much less sleep, feel unusually energetic or confident, talk quickly, take on many new projects, or make impulsive decisions, while depressive episodes bring low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite. In bipolar I disorder, mania can be severe; bipolar II disorder involves hypomania, a milder elevated state, along with depression.

Bipolar disorder affects about 4% of U.S. adults at some point in their lives, and it often begins in the late teens or twenties. Because depression is frequently the first and most common symptom, bipolar disorder is often mistaken for depression alone, sometimes for years. It runs strongly in families, and disrupted sleep, stress, and substance use can all trigger episodes. The good news is that bipolar disorder is very treatable, and with the right plan many people live full, stable lives.

Our approach to treatment of bipolar disorder

At Tranquility Psychiatry, bipolar care is grounded in a long-term, collaborative partnership. After a comprehensive evaluation that reviews your mood history, family history, sleep, and how you have responded to medications in the past, we build a plan tailored to you. Treatment typically centers on mood-stabilizing medication, alongside psychotherapy, steady sleep and daily routines, and a plan for recognizing early warning signs of a mood change. Our goal is never to “overmedicate,” but to find the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects, adjusting thoughtfully over time. Dr. David Beaman has particular expertise in bipolar disorders.

Planning a pregnancy with bipolar disorder deserves special care. The weeks after birth are a time of increased risk for mood episodes, and some medications need to be weighed carefully during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With our specialized training in perinatal mental health, we help patients plan ahead, ideally before conception, and coordinate with their OB/GYN.

Our telehealth approach allows us to get to know you in the context of your home, your family, and your work, while allowing flexibility in scheduling. We see adults by video anywhere in Florida, and in person appointments in Delray Beach are available upon request.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through a detailed clinical evaluation rather than a lab test or scan. Your psychiatrist asks about past periods of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and changes in energy, as well as episodes of depression and your family history. With your permission, input from a partner or family member can be very helpful, since people do not always notice hypomania in themselves. We also look for medical causes and other conditions, such as thyroid problems, ADHD, or substance use, that can affect mood.

Cost and insurance

A new patient evaluation is $400 for up to 60 minutes, and follow-up medication management visits are $200 for up to 30 minutes. Tranquility Psychiatry is not in network with insurance, but we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.

Frequently asked questions

Can bipolar disorder be treated by telehealth?

Yes. Adults located anywhere in Florida can be evaluated and treated by secure video, and in person visits in Delray Beach are available upon request.

I was diagnosed with depression. Could it be bipolar disorder?

Sometimes. Bipolar disorder often first shows up as depression, so a careful history of past moods is an important part of any evaluation, especially if antidepressants have not helped.

Can I have a healthy pregnancy with bipolar disorder?

Many people with bipolar disorder have healthy pregnancies with careful planning. We help weigh medication options and plan for the postpartum period, ideally before conception.

Will I need lab work?

Some mood stabilizers, such as lithium, require periodic blood tests to keep levels safe and effective. We will explain what is needed and coordinate testing with you.

Where treatment begins

If your moods have felt hard to predict or manage, a careful evaluation can bring clarity. Schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation, or click here to get connected to one of our psychiatrists.